USUALLY Mr. Quinby came home from the store by half-past nine. To-night the clock was almost at eleven before his latchkey sounded in the lock. Mrs. Quinby, who had been waiting in the dining room, went forward to meet him.
There were tired lines about the man's face, and stern lines about his mouth. "Does Bert know about Bill Harrison?" he asked.
"Yes. Dolf Muller came here. Dolf was almost hysterical."
"Humph! Too late for that now. I waited until Dr. Elman got back. Bill's leg is off above the knee. Elman says he stood the shock well. And if Glynn hadn't told me to-night what was going on, it might just as well have been Bert instead of Bill. I'm going to talk to that young man."
"Harry." Her hand stayed him. "Don't be harsh with Bert. He's promised me that he'll never go to the yards again."
"Humph! Ready to promise anything after the damage is done."
